Would you like to follow Rhett?

Rhett has been more tied to Gone with the Wind than even Scarlett, but now we're hearing rumblings of its finding new and independent favor among parents, perhaps emboldened by the growing popularity of Scarlett. Rhett is more popular today than it's ever been; it's soared more than 300 places in the past five years.

In addition to being a powerful storyteller, author MargaretMitchell was a great character namer as well—think Scarlett, Melanie, Ashley, and even the mansion Tara. Rhett emerged from the story as one of the ultimate dashing, romantic names—so much so that parents of the past didn't fully embrace it.

Rhett is a South Carolina surname, brought to NorthAmerica in 1694, and borne by a noted politician during the Civil War period, which may have inspired the author.